THIS SET BELONGS FAR, FAR AWAY ("Shrek the Third" Pocket Library)

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	"Shrek the Third" Pocket Library
Date:	20/07/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pocket size makes them ideal for travel

Disadvantages: No story and assumes you know about the films

Dreamworks "Shrek" series has, over the last few years, become a firm favourite amongst families. The animations lend themselves to family viewing and offer something for a wide range of ages. At 3, my son has not seen any of the Shrek films although I suspect that he is just about old enough to start enjoying them.

Like most film successes there have been a number of merchandising spin offs and one such is the Pocket Library produced by HarperCollins. The set, widely available and priced at under £5 (no matter where you buy it)comprises six mini board books each of which is based around one of the main characters from the Shrek series (and the third series in particular). Collections of board books seem to be very popular for the toddler - 6 years age group but they really do vary in quality. Some sets seem to work (Noddy for example) and others seem to ride on the success of the characterisation and offer nothing new or worthwhile for parent or child (In the Night Garden is a good example). Unfortunately, this offering falls into the latter category.

Each book attempts to offer a short story about a Shrek character. Unfortunately, to be able to offer a short story in 5 sides is no mean feat and it's a feat that remains unaccomplished here. Without having seen the films the child is going to be unable to make much sense of the text which is presented in factual form. Assumptions are made that we know who the characters are and what they do as quantum leaps in time are made as you turn the pages. As an adult, if you've not seen the films you too will struggle to join the pages together and construct a cogent story.

The books that centre on Gingy (the gingerbread man), Puss in Boots and Donkey are probably the best of the set as they do, at least, seem to tell you a little about the characters, who they are, and what they like. The books that centre on Shrek, Fiona and Price Charming require such knowledge of the films that they are next to worthless.

The actual print of the text will probably not be suitable for early readers (although the language is) as the font used is quite stylised. As an adult it's perfectly clear but not so for the child who is still sounding words out.

The pictures are pretty good, taken, I think, from film stills. They are not crystal clear and, as with the leaps in the text, a couple require a little knowledge to work out what is going on but overall they are acceptable for a children's book and offer opportunity to discuss what is going on.

If you've a child who has seen the films and loves the characters then, if you can find this set in a supermarket at sub-£3 then I think it not a bad buy - you don't get much story but they will understand what is going on. If your child has not seen the films then, whatever price, I'd give these a miss. There's just not enough in them to warrant a purchase.

Not recommended.

Summary: A waste of money